Geneva Launches Free Public Transport Amid Severe Ozone Pollution

Geneva has implemented a historic, temporary measure of making all public transport free in response to a severe spike in ozone pollution, marking the first time Switzerland has taken such action. The city experienced record ozone levels surpassing the World Health Organization's safety threshold amid a heatwave with temperatures reaching 37°C, exacerbating health risks such as asthma attacks and breathing difficulties. To reduce nitrogen oxide emissions, authorities suspended ticket inspections on buses, trams, trains, and boats and restricted access for the most polluting vehicles in the city center between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., allowing only lower-emitting cars. This emergency protocol aims to encourage residents and visitors to switch from private cars to public transit, mitigating the accumulation of harmful pollutants. Officials emphasize that while the free transport measure is temporary, it could serve as a template for future responses amid climate change and increasing urban pollution challenges. Critics argue that long-term solutions will require sustained investment in clean transport infrastructure and cultural shifts away from car dependency.